There are two new American flags flying proudly at the Ellis County Courthouse veterans memorial. This is in and of itself not a remarkably newsworthy event, as veterans Stan Dreiling and Charlie Staab replace them whenever the flags are not fit for display.

But this week the patriotic pair were forced to hang two new Old Glorys because the previous ones were stolen. Stolen! On the Fourth of July weekend no less.

Whether the theft was meant as a prank or if the perpetrator somehow felt more deserving of the flags than the viewing public remains to be seen. A most-curious factor in the crime was that the ropes were re-tied to the flagpoles after the Stars and Stripes were removed. This indicates, in an albeit twisted manner, the thief was showing a modicum of respect. Perhaps the two flags are flying somewhere in town with proper etiquette being observed.

As Dreiling pointed out, however, all the person had to do was contact him if their desire to display the national symbol was so strong. "Heck," Dreiling said, "if they wanted a flag, I would have given them one."

Instead, the chairman of the Hays VFW Post had to replace the missing flags at the courthouse. We're glad to report such patriotism exists in our community.

We're likewise embarrassed to acknowledge the opposite side of the coin. Stealing flags -- particularly those positioned to honor fallen veterans of the military -- is a despicable act. We would hope guilt would prompt the perp to come forward and confess. Or at least return the flags so they can be utilized as intended.

If anybody has any information regarding the missing flags, call Dreiling at (785) 625-3481.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net